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Perspectives on Music Sharing via Mobile Phones in Papua New Guinea

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Mobile Story Making in an Age of Smartphones

Abstract

The research presented in this chapter seeks to broaden our understanding and perception of the contemporary media landscape by examining the application of new digital communication technologies in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Mobile phones have recently become widespread in certain areas of PNG, a country renowned in the western popular imagination for its remoteness and ancient traditions. PNG also hosts a vibrant popular music culture, which is due in part to the increased global availability of digital recording technologies. This chapter explores how the contemporary consumption of popular music via mobile phones reflects local social and cultural practices relating to the Melanesian gift-economy, while demonstrating new adaptations and sharing practices among diverse urban youth.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

    Oli Wilson

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  1. Oli Wilson
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Correspondence to Oli Wilson .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Film and Animation, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Max Schleser

  2. School of Media and Communication, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Marsha Berry

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Wilson, O. (2018). Perspectives on Music Sharing via Mobile Phones in Papua New Guinea. In: Schleser, M., Berry, M. (eds) Mobile Story Making in an Age of Smartphones. Palgrave Pivot, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-76795-6_7

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